////////// VERMONT HALL OF FAME
zzzLiz Downerzzz Pitcher		1985
Liz Downer started her horseshoe career in the Sodbusters Horseshoe Pitching Club women's auxiliary in 1966. She helped organize bake sales to raise money for the club. In 1974, when the auxiliary merged with the men, Liz became a regular Member and has been every year since. During this period, she also was a member of the N.H.P.A. Liz and her husband Ken (Himself a Vermont Hall of Famer) live in Lincoln. They have one daughter, Tammy. Liz has held several offices in the club, Groundskeeper in 1982-1984, Awards Committee in 1990-1991. and served on the 25th Anniversary Committee in 1991. Besides the offices, she has contributed much time and effort to the "Sodbusters" and for this Liz along with her husband Ken received the "Sodbusters Special Recognition Award" in 1983. In 1984, she received a certificate from the NHPA "Top Ten" in the nation in league play for high game. Liz has competed in Doubles league in 1977, 1982-85; finishing 1st in 1977 and 1984. She also played in the Singles league from 1984-1995; finishing 1st in 1984, 89, and 90. In 1985, Liz was inducted into the Vermont State Hall of Fame as a "Pitcher". Liz has been the Vermont State Women's Champion for 16 years (Vermont record for women) starting in 1973 with her first title, with a 6 wins and 1 loss, averaging 36.0%. She won the title in 1973-76, 78-81, 83-84, 86-87, 89-90, 94-95. Twice she won in four straight years. Her best average on winning the State title was in 1990, where she went 6-0, averaging 68.5%. Through the years that Liz has won the Vermont State Title, she complied a amazing record of 70 wins and 3 losses, overall averaging 56.8%. Liz played in the World Horseshoe Tournament in 1982 at Huntsville, Alabama, finishing in 10th place in Women's Championship Class A, (Liz is the first Vermonter to play inn this class) with a record of 3-8, averaging 67.4%. In 1983, in Statesville, North Carolina, finishing in 11th in Woman's Championship Class A with a record of 2-9, averaging 70.9%. Liz also participated in many New England Tournaments starting 1n 1977 in Women's Class A, finishing in 4th place, with a record of 2-3 , averaging 56.5%. In 1990, Liz captured the new England Women's Championship with a 7-0 record, averaging her best ever with a 78.9%. She has finished in second place twice and in third place 3 times. Liz was inducted into the New England Hall of Fame in 1993. Liz is known throughout of New England as one of the toughest competitors that you would ever want to meet on the courts. The VT H.P.A. is very proud to have Liz Downer inducted into the Vermont Hall of Fame as a Pitcher.